World Rugby’s decision to prevent transgender women from competing at the highest levels of the women’s game has provoked a mixed reaction.
The move has been criticised by LGBT charity Stonewall, while some women’s rights and gay rights campaigners have welcomed the decision.
Bev Jackson, co-founder of the LGB Alliance, said the organisation “applauds World Rugby for conducting a thorough, evidence-based study and making a decision on that basis to protect safety in women’s rugby. We are very pleased that they resisted political pressure and kept to scientific facts. Many lesbians play this sport and they are enormously relieved.”She added that “judging by the reactions we have received, a great many LGB people and indeed many trans people think this was the right decision”.Dr Nicola Williams, director of Fair Play For Women, said: “World Rugby have taken a transparent and evidence-based approach and we welcome their decision to prioritise safety and fairness for elite female players.
Source: Transgender women in rugby union: Mixed reaction to World Rugby decision – BBC Sport